The Magpies were still reeling from the controversial incident in their match a week before where John Greening had been knocked into a coma by Saint Jim O'Dea and was yet to regain full consciousness.

They were forced to regroup for a crucial game against a Demon side that had drawn to within a game and a half of the five after three wins in the last four games. The Pies were also fighting for fifth place and the result could have a huge impact on the two side's fortunes.

Collingwood were never behind at the end of any quarter but they had a hard time shaking off the Demons who were playing quicker football with better handballing. Melbourne's trouble was that they were wasteful with their opportunities and missed countless opportunities from free kicks and shots close to goal.

John Letcher held the dangerous Peter McKenna to three goals and Hardeman, Wells and Molloy were also amongst the best. Brewer (groin and suspected concussion and groin) was replaced Osborne in the second quarter, Burgmann was replaced by Clark in the last quarter. McKenzie suffered a bruised foot.